Integrated Light Shielding in Image Reading Device Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading devices with erecting equal-magnification lens arrays face issues with stray light due to the lack of beam separation, leading to increased component count and cost when using light shielding members or masks, as seen in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
An image reading device design that integrates a light shielding member as one piece with the housing, securing the erecting equal-magnification lens array plates with through holes to prevent stray light, reducing the number of components and assembly steps while improving imaging performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light shielding member or light shielding mask is fitted to the lens array to prevent stray light, then imaging performance is improved, but the number of components increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding member is merged with the housing structure, forming an integrated component. The housing includes a light shielding portion that directly shields the lens array from stray light, eliminating the need for separate light shielding members or masks. This merging reduces the total number of components while maintaining effective stray light prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, secures the lens array, and simultaneously acts as a light shielding member. By making the housing multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated light shielding components, reducing device complexity while maintaining imaging performance.
2Reliability
If a light shielding member or light shielding mask is fitted to the lens array to prevent stray light, then imaging performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding function is merged into the housing structure, which is already a necessary component. This integration eliminates the need for additional light shielding members or masks that would increase manufacturing steps and costs. The housing can be manufactured as a single integrated piece using conventional molding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to perform multiple functions including structural support, component mounting, and light shielding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated light shielding components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective stray light prevention.
3Reliability
If separate light shielding members are used to prevent stray light, then imaging performance is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding member is merged with the housing, creating a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to install light shielding members or masks, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining effective stray light prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves as both the structural enclosure and the light shielding member. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate assembly operations, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring proper light shielding for imaging performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces the number of components and manufacturing costs while enhancing imaging performance by integrating the light shielding member with the housing and securing the lens array plates with high precision, minimizing stray light and facilitating assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an erecting equal-magnification lens array operative to condense light reflected by the document
Implementation Method 2
a light shielding member operative to prevent light not contributing to imaging from entering the lenses
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes: a line illuminator for irradiating a document G; an erecting equal-magnification lens array operative to condense light reflected by the document G and including a stack of a first lens array plate and a second lens array plate each provided with an arrangement of a plurality of lenses on both sides thereof; a line image sensor operative to receive the light condensed by the erecting equal-magnification lens array; a housing for securing the line illuminator, the erecting equal-magnification lens array, and the line image sensor in their places; and a first light shielding member, a second light shielding member, and a third light shielding member operative to prevent light not contributing to imaging from entering the lenses. The first light shielding member, the second light shielding member, and the third light shielding member are formed as one piece with the main part of the housing.